PAK vs ENG: I'm So Proud To Be Leading England In Pakistan - Moeen Ali Excited To Play In Front Of Pakistani Crowd

The England men’s cricket team arrived in Pakistan for the first time in 17 years for a seven-match T20I series. This is the first time since 2005 that an English team has visited Pakistan for a bilateral series.

The English team will miss the services of white-ball skipper Jos Buttler, who is still recovering from a calf injury suffered during The Hundred.

In his absence, senior all-rounder Moeen Ali is set to lead England in the first game in Karachi, a historic moment for him to lead England in the country where his grandfather migrated to England long ago. In a column for the Daily Mail, Ali wrote that Pakistan would be his most special tour.

Proud To Lead England In Pakistan – Moeen Ali

“It is going to be memorable playing in front of the Pakistani crowds and also an immense honour to deputise for Jos Buttler, while he recovers from injury, and captain England.

“Indeed, it is the first time an England men’s side has come to Pakistan since 2005. I was 18 then. I’m 35 now and I must admit I have been looking forward to this trip for a long time, “he wrote.

This Tour Will Be Good Preparation Ahead Of The World Cup – Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali feels the tour will be good preparation for England ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

“I have been here a few times now, but sharing this journey with Adil Rashid, who is also of Pakistani heritage, was a particularly proud moment.”

“Seven T20s will be a stern test in these conditions and a good pointer for where we are ahead of the World Cup in Australia next month,” he added.

England is playing against Pakistan in a seven-match Twenty20 International series without key players and the series will start on September 20. The first four matches of the series will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi, while the remaining matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Also read: PAK vs ENG 2022: ‘He Reminds Me Of Myself’: Pakistan’s Bowling Coach Shaun Tait Lauds Naseem Shah